Southampton 1-2 Liverpool: 5 Hits and Flops

Despite adding no first-team signings to their squad, Liverpool have won their first three competitive games of the 2019/20 campaign. On top of that, they've seemingly added the element of grit to their performances, grinding out results when not at their best. They did the same on this occasion with a 2-1 away win against Southampton.

In a tightly contested match, the Reds broke the deadlock through a Sadio Mane stunner just before half-time. They doubled their lead after 71 minutes with a quality Roberto Firmino strike, though life was made harder than it needed to be when Adrian struck the ball directly at Danny Ings - gifting Ralph Hasenhuttl's men some late hope.

Jurgen Klopp and his men will be happy they picked up all three points at a ground where many of their rivals will struggle to do the same. Now, they look forward to the visit of Arsenal next Saturday. Without further ado, here's a look at five hits and flops from Liverpool's hard-fought win against the Saints:

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#5 Hit: Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino has provided 28 Premier League assists at Liverpool

The Brazilian striker never gets the same amount of attention or headlines his attacking partners do. This can be attributed to him having the lowest strike rate of the trio, but many don’t seem to understand his role in the team. In effect, Firmino plays a false nine and looks to drop into midfield, providing more space for Mane and Mohamed Salah in central positions.

Even with that sacrificial work rate, Firmino still manages to maintain impressive goalscoring stats, adding to the scoresheet when his teammates need him most. In 149 league games, he has netted 49 goals for the Reds.

At St. Mary's, Firmino ensured the game was put to bed in the 71st minute with a cool slotted finish from the edge of the box. In an assured display, the 27-year-old completed 19 passes, three successful take-ons and scored an important goal to secure all three points.

#4 Flop: Mohamed Salah

Salah endured another frustrating display, this time on the south Coast

It seems as though the 2017/18 campaign has set extremely high expectations for Mohamed Salah. It was a season that saw him score an unprecedented 32 goals in 36 appearances, a Premier League record.

Now, we almost expect the impossible from the Egyptian every single game, in hope that he'll score goals galore. However on this occasion, he simply didn't turn up. His attacking movement was off-the-pace, shots wayward and his link-up play was disjointed.

Up against a very determined Ryan Bertrand, Salah rarely had any time or space on the ball throughout. In a below-par display, the 27-year-old forward mustered one shot on target, misplaced four passes and was dispossessed twice. If not for contributions from his creative partners in crime, the Reds would have dropped their first few points of the season.

#3 Hit: Danny Ings

Liverpool sold Danny Ings for £17m this past summer

It's never easy to play against the club that once sold you. For Danny Ings, he had to come off the substitutes' bench and face the side who deemed him surplus to requirements after troublesome injury issues hampered his development at Anfield. Ings has always been a hard-working striker who relishes aerial duels and playing on the shoulder of the last defender.

In this cameo, he was granted 26 minutes to produce some goalscoring magic against the European champions. In that brief time, the 27-year-old attempted four shots, completed one dribble and scored to halve the deficit with time running out - causing panic for the visitors.

His goal stemmed from an infectious high workrate he possesses, chasing down Adrian in the penalty area. After a promising start, the Englishman will hope this is just the first of many for the campaign, aiming to add consistent goals to his game.

#2 Flop: Adrian

Adrian rushing out to punch clear from an aerial ball fizzed into the box

News broke last week that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson (calf) will be sidelined for a few weeks, leaving Adrian to be Liverpool's last line of defence. He was a free agent not too long ago, but quickly became a hero when saving his way to victory during their UEFA Super Cup shootout win against Chelsea in midweek. However, the 32-year-old has quickly gone from hero to zero in a matter of days - having conceded a needless goal at St. Mary's.

Liverpool were 2-0 up with seven minutes to go and whether through a lapse of concentration or composure, the Spaniard inexplicably smashed the ball at Danny Ings, gifting the hosts an easy goal. It provided them extra belief and meant the Reds were under unnecessary pressure for the remainder of the game. Having experienced nightmare moments with Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius in recent seasons, Klopp will pray this is merely a one-off.

#1 Hit: Sadio Mane

Mane netted 22 PL goals for Liverpool last season and shone when his teammates needed him most

Whether opinion or fact, Sadio Mane also doesn't get the credit his quality deserves. The Senegalese forward continues to deliver world-class numbers on a consistent basis.

In 161 league appearances for Liverpool, Mane has netted 67 goals and created 23 assists - equating to a goal or assist every 1.7 matches on average. These statistics put him in the conversation of not only their best player but one of the world's best forwards too.

At a time where his teammates struggled to create many opportunities, Mane carved a chance for himself, curling a beauty into the Saints net just before half-time. It was his goal that completely changed the match's complexion, putting the Reds firmly in control. Aside from the pivotal opener; he completed three tackles, won two aerial duels, completed one dribble, 17 passes and five chances for his teammates over the 90 minutes.